Handmade Raku matcha bowl with three symbols of the plants bamboo, pine and plum. This combination is often symbol for the Japanese new year representing strength, longevity and beauty.

The bowl is made by the 8^th generation master at a Raku studio in Kyoto. The master puts his heart in each step of producing the bowl, making sure that it is both enjoyable to drink from and fits perfectly in the hands.

Raku bowls is known for its one of a kind uniqueness and was first developed by the tea master Sen no Rikyū in the 16^th century. Together with the tile-maker, Chojiro, the bowls were produced as a new style of ware for use in the tea ceremonies, and is still used as of today.

Instead of being thrown on a potter’s wheel, Raku ware is made by pinching the clay into desired shape and smoothing it out with a spatula giving each Raku bowl its unique shape. The bowl is fired unglazed before being fired once more with a thin coat of glaze at 1200°C. The bowl is removed from the kiln just before the glaze is set perfectly when it is still glowing. It is set to cool until the glaze hardens and then placed in water to cool completely. This gives the Raku ware its soft appearance and unique style of glazing that seems almost metallic.

It is necessary to use tongs to remove the Raku bowls from the hot kiln. Traces of the tong is then imprinted on the outside of each bowl and particular on the Karo Raku (the black bowls) that is fired in a higher temperature. These might be mistaken for scratches but instead they should be appreciated as yet another unique expression of the making of the Raku bowl.

Delivered in a beautiful wooden box signed by the master.

4 dl   H 8 cm   Ø 12 cm

Material

Glazed ceramics

Colour

Black 

Origin

Japan

Use

Wash by hand
Do not use in microwave